Would You Buy The Original Birkin?

Would you buy the original Birkin? Yep, not just any Hermès Birkin, but the very first one that belonged to Jane Birkin herself. The one that started it all. I know it’s crazy to believe it, but it’s happening. Jane Birkin’s personal, original Birkin bag is now officially up for grabs. And thanks to Sotheby’s, it could soon belong to someone new. Maybe even you?

Hermès Birkin Bag: The History of An Icon

I’ve already told this story numerous times, but here it is again. The Birkin bag was born in 1984 thanks to an accidental meeting aboard an Air France flight. Jane Birkin, the British-French style icon known for her effortless style, found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then chief executive of Hermès. Basically, midway through the trip, her straw bag tipped over, sending all her belongings tumbling to the floor. She then casually mentioned that she’d never found a leather bag that was both elegant and practical. 

And Dumas took note—subsequently sketching out the design for what would then become the Birkin bag on an airplane sick bag. So, just like that, fashion history was made. Hermès created the bag specifically for Jane, but it soon became one of the most coveted luxury pieces on the planet (you can learn more about the Birkin bag here, in my ultimate guide to the style).

How Come Is The Original Birkin Up for Sale Now?

And here’s where it gets interesting. The bag that’s now up for sale isn’t just a Birkin—it’s Jane’s original Birkin. Basically, back in 1994, she donated it to a charity which then sold it to a vintage store owner who held onto it for all these years. That’s right, for some reason, after 25 years of owning “the bag” she decided to sell it. And the auction is set to take place on July 10th, at Sotheby’s Paris.

As you can imagine, the news is already generating a buzz far beyond the usual fashion circles. I mean, the original Birkin bag is being auctioned — just how crazy is that? But what makes this particular handbag so unique isn’t its pristine condition—it’s the opposite, actually. It’s been lived in. Jane was known for decorating her bags with stickers and attaching keychains and charms. I am sure you’ve heard the word “Birkinify”—it basically means taking something ordinary and giving it that Jane Birkin touch: effortless, messy-chic, totally personal. And this bag? It’s the definition of that. It’s not a showroom piece. It’s not wrapped in plastic or kept in a vault. It’s scuffed, it’s softened, it’s been around the block, and that’s exactly what makes it priceless.

Btw, unlike modern Birkins, this one also has a crossbody strap—the feature Hermès ended up omitting. Though to be fair, they sort of did compensate for this by releasing the Jypsiere bag in 2006, which was envisioned as the crossbody version of the Birkin bag (read more here).

So, July 10th, 2025. Sotheby’s Paris. Will you be watching? Or better yet… will you be placing a bid?